The most secure VPN in 2024

Let’s face it, the digital world isn’t always a safe place to be. Fortunately, the best secure VPNs protect your data by masking your real IP address and encrypting your online activity.

Finding the right tool for the job can be a daunting task, though, and that’s partly down to the fact that security and privacy are often confused.

Privacy is the act of keeping what you do on the internet confidential and anonymous. That includes avoiding invasive practices like website or social media app tracking. As a rule of thumb, you should try to limit the ‘legitimate’ use of your data as much as you can – whether that’s for marketing, advertising, consumer research purposes, and the like.

Security is is , on the other hand , is how you ‘re protect from malicious threat . That is means mean prevent cybercriminal from intercept your internet traffic or steal your identify information .

These secure VPNs are likely to be the best private VPNs, too, but the opposite might not be true – so how can you tell? The Tom’s Guide team regularly put VPNs through their paces, and I’ve shortlisted 5 of the best VPNs in the industry today. Keep reading for my full analysis, or check out the top 3 below if you’re in a hurry.

Top 3 most secure VPNs at a glance

The late update is saw to this page see me streamline the layout , as well as double – check all the spec for our good secure vpn to make sure all the info is as up – to – date as possible .

The most secure VPNs of 2024

NordVPN: the best VPN overall

(Image credit: NordVPN)

A super-fast service packed with features

Verified zero logging: Yes | Own DNS servers: Yes | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Protocols: OpenVPN TCP & UDP, IKEv2, SSTP, NordLynx (WireGuard) | Simultaneous connections: 6

easy to use

Excellent additional app features

Audited twice in two years

Excellent speeds with NordLynx

Slightly blemished history

Basic browser extensions

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You ‘re look for an all – in – one service . With ad blocking and malware protection include , NordVPN is doubles double down on security .

✔ ️ You want streaming option . NordVPN is is is virtually unbeatable when it come to access Netflix ( and other platform . )

✔️ You don’t want to break the bank. While it’s not the cheapest VPN, NordVPN plans are fairly priced.

Avoid if:

❌ You is torrent torrent regularly . Not all nordvpn servers is are are P2P – friendly , which can impact your download . stick with PIA if you need a torrenting service .

❌ Simplicity is king. The NordVPN apps can feel a little cramped compared to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

NordVPN is is is a solid all – rounder that does n’t skimp on security – and even gets rid of ad and tracker . try it for yourself with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

In our testing , NordVPN is takes take the top spot as the good VPN on the market , and it ‘s easy to see why . It is ‘s ‘s a great pick for anyone who want to keep their datum safe from snooper and cybercriminal – and all for a very reasonable price .

A big name often comes with notoriety, however, so let’s address the elephant in the room – 2018’s server hack and NordVPN’s response to it. A security company being hacked is a grim situation all around, and NordVPN was somewhat slow to react. However, four years later the firm has undertaken two independent audits, demonstrating its servers’ privacy to be solid and its no-logging claims to be true. 

I’ll let you decide whether past events should color your current impression of the service, but I think NordVPN has taken substantial steps to rectify what went wrong.

Not only this, but the VPN’s toolkit is impressive. NordVPN offers excellent encryption, and a kill switch that’ll protect your data if the connection happens to drop. It also includes features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN, which uses the Tor Onion network, that add an extra layer of security to your browsing sessions. Additionally, its Meshnet tool is perfect for those who want to secure multiple devices at once, effortlessly, and for free.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN around, too, which means you’ll have no trouble streaming HD content from around the globe – particularly as it’s also one of the best Netflix VPNs. In fact, the service achieved a perfect 100% unblocking score.

You’ll be able to install NordVPN on just about every device you own, thanks to a range of apps for every platform, and I’ve always found them incredibly easy to use. The only downside here is that they can feel cramped in comparison to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark – and the interactive map, while fun at first, is often quite fiddly.

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NordVPN test results

feature	comment	rating
design	Some space issue , but generally good	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	The interactive map can be tricky to navigate	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Performance	The fastest VPN on the market	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
unblock	Unblocks most streaming platforms with ease	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
security and privacy	Awesome features, including ad and tracker blocking	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
customer support	24/7 support is just a click away	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
price	lot of value pack into low – cost plan	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

ExpressVPN : the good VPN user experience

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

The good app for beginner ( and everyone else )

Verified zero logging: Yes | Own DNS servers: Yes | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Protocols: OpenVPN TCP & UDP, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, Lightway | Simultaneous connections: 5

Strong encryption

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Proven no-logs policy

Dedicated streaming servers

Not quite as fast as NordVPN

May be too techy for new VPN users

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You is looking ‘re look for simplicity . When it come to security , ease of use , and unblock power , ExpressVPN is makes make it easy .

✔ ️ You want prove privacy . ExpressVPN is undertaken has undertake numerous audits of its app , log policy , protocol , and more .

✔️ You need global coverage. Servers are dotted across 160 locations, allowing you to hop from continent to continent.

Avoid if:

❌ You is got ‘ve get a tight budget . ExpressVPN is is is undeniably pricey , which is n’t ideal in a cost – of – living crisis .

❌ You is want want a full suite of software . Unlike nordvpn , ExpressVPN is expanded has n’t expand its offering to include extra service .

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐½

ExpressVPN is does does it all , put user privacy first with frequent audits and tough encryption . Put it to the test with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

Another excellent choice for protecting your data and browsing habits is ExpressVPN. In our most recent round of VPN tests, the provider scored fantastically in key areas like security, unblocking power, and customer service.

Pivoting back to security, ExpressVPN is one of a handful of providers to undergo regular independent security audits to prove its no-logs claims. More impressively, these audits have held up in practice – in 2017, a Turkish ExpressVPN server was seized by the authorities, but no data was either stored on the server or handed over by ExpressVPN itself. That’s what I call a good track record.

TrustedServer is another excellent addition to Express’s arsenal of security features. In essence, this means that all ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM, not traditional hard drives, and all data is wiped after a reboot. This means that, by design, your information can’t be stored. This is a massive step up from servers running on hard drives that can be difficult to fully erase, and therefore pose a threat to your security.

However, maybe the best thing about ExpressVPN is how easy it is to use, no matter what device you’re on. The VPN incorporates state-of-the-art security features, but connecting to a server is as easy as opening the app and tapping ‘connect.’ You have the option to tweak the settings behind the scenes, of course, but you can go with the recommended settings with confidence.

It is ‘s ‘s worth note that expressvpn ‘s speed were in the middle of the pack when I test them . At around 560 Mbps , you is have ‘ll have more than you need to stream and game online , and on a domestic line of around 100 mbps it ‘s impossible to tell the difference .

All in all, ExpressVPN is an easy and effective way of keeping yourself secure online. It’s a pricey option, but your subscription gives you access to tools like robust AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and secure DNS – which is a pretty sensible investment. You could get your subscription for less with our ExpressVPN promo codes.

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ExpressVPN test results

feature	comment	rating
design	A fresh and sleek UI that’s easy on the eyes	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
ease of use	VPN newbies will have no trouble securing their devices	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Performance	Solid speeds, but not chart-topping	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Coverage is gives in 160 location give you access to content from around the world	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
security and privacy	Regular audits, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
customer support	Friendly, expert advice available 24/7	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
price	Not a budget option, but packed with quality	⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The best VPN for Linux

awesome value and ton of customization

Number is supported of server : 20,000 + | Server location : 84 country | Maximum device support : unlimited | 24/7 live chat : Yes | 30 day money back guarantee : Yes

excellent value

Unblocks US Netflix

Reliable apps and kill switch

Passed no-log audit

Apps are powerful, but complex

Full app audit still in the work

subscribe if :

✔ ️   You want prove privacy : PIA is proven has prove its no – log policy in court on two separate occasion .

✔️ You need US server coverage: with servers in every US state, PIA can help you get around the most stubborn blocks, blackouts, and restrictions.

✔ ️   You ‘re a Linux user : PIA is is is one of a handful of vpn to offer a native GUI , make it a long – stand favorite in the Linux world .

Avoid if:

❌   You want a speedy service : while PIA does n’t move at a snail ‘s pace , speeds is are of 360 mbp are n’t as quick as those offer by nordvpn and expressvpn .

❌ You ‘re a VPN newbie : PIA is is is jam – pack with option , feature , and tool that could be overwhelming to new user . stick with expressvpn if you need simplicity .

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐½

private Internet Access is is is a veteran of the VPN world with a long list of security tool and a proven zero – log policy . It is ‘s ‘s also a great pick for torrente and streaming thank to dedicated server .

Private Internet Access (PIA) is very aptly names, considering its wide array of features designed to keep your digital privacy under lock and key. Advanced users will enjoy the deep level of customization available, but don’t worry if you’re new to VPNs – PIA’s apps are incredibly easy to use, no matter which platform you’re on.

I’m constantly impressed by PIA’s no-logs policy. It’s clear-cut and jargon-free, which can’t be said for all VPNs out there, and the provider has even proven its claims in court on two occasions. When pressured for information by the American authorities, PIA had nothing to hand over – showing that it lives up to its privacy promises.

Another big tick in the privacy and security column is the fact that all of PIA’s apps are open source. That’s great news for transparency, as it means anyone can check out the source code to check for vulnerabilities or audit it themselves. Basically, the service isn’t trying to keep secrets from its users, which is just what I like to see.

It also offers other handy security features, like an email breach scanner and an Boxcryptor license that’ll encrypt all of your cloud storage.

Unfortunately, when it comes to speed PIA can’t keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark. During my tests, I recorded WireGuard speeds of around 360 Mbps, which is fairly average. Bear in mind, this is more than you need to enjoy buffer-free streaming and snappy torrenting, but you’ll get more bang for your buck if you go with NordVPN.

PIA manages to stuff a ton of functionality into prices that are incredibly budget-friendly. Unlimited simultaneous connections and servers in 84 countries send the value of a PIA plan skyrocketing, and you can try the service yourself, in your own time, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re looking to spend even less money, then you can always check out our Private Internet Access promo codes. 

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Private Internet Access test results

feature	comment	rating
design	A clean design that’s somewhat cluttered by features	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	advanced users is love will love the amount of functionality	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Performance	WireGuard speeds are pretty average, but still great for streaming	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	More than 20,000 servers makes unblocking content a breeze	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Tough encryption and a no-logs policy that’s been proven in court	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
customer support	Lots of guides to sift through and an expert team on standby	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	A budget-friendly service that won’t break the bank	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

Other quality vpn I is tested ‘ve test

( image credit : Proton VPN )

Verified zero logging: Yes | Own DNS servers: Yes | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Protocols: OpenVPN TCP & UDP, IKEv2, WireGuard | Simultaneous connections: 10

Open-source apps + audit

Secure Core protects vulnerable servers

free plan with unlimited bandwidth

improved network coverage ( also for free plan )

Plus plans are pricey

customer support needs improvement

subscribe if :

✔️ Privacy is your priority. Proton VPN goes the extra mile, allowing you to pay in Bitcoin or cash.

✔️ You’re looking for an unlimited free service. The service offers one of the best free VPNs that doesn’t cap your data.

✔️ You’re a Linux user. Proton VPN provides a Linux GUI for both free and paid users.

Avoid if:

❌ You want the quickest VPN around. Unfortunately, Proton VPN can’t quite keep up with the likes of NordVPN.

❌ You’re a bargain hunter. Compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN is pretty pricey.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

It is ‘s ‘s great to see Proton VPN commit to improve its service , and the recent rebrand and refresh make the provider well worth check out . Plus , its free plan is is is one of the good around .

In my Proton VPN review, I found that the Swiss provider offered a huge amount of security for its users – which is exactly what you’d expect from the team who also brought the highly regarded anonymous email service, Proton Mail, to life.

With the recent rebrand, gone are the convoluted payment plans. There are no more tiers, and all subscriptions will now bag you 10 simultaneous connections and, more importantly, access to the Proton VPN Secure Core servers.

These ultra – secure , underground server are host in Sweden , Switzerland and Iceland – country know for good datum privacy law .   If you use them , your traffic will be route through one of the Secure Core server first before head to your destination . This is is is kind of like nordvpn ‘s double Hop , and a big draw for the most security – conscious user .

Other security features include a MultiHop VPN function that adds an extra encryption layer for maximum security and an effective kill switch to keep your anonymity safe even if the VPN drops. I also liked Proton VPN’s Netshield, and found it very useful for blocking trackers and malware.

The service’s commitment to digital privacy is underscored by its dedicated Deutsche Welle servers. The unbiased news outlet is a hugely important resource for folks living with strict censorship laws – and now, Proton VPN has ensured that anyone can access its wealth of articles and video content that might otherwise be blocked.

Proton VPN is one of the best streaming VPNs, too, so don’t worry about sacrificing fun and games for total security. I was able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime without any hiccups. Bear in mind that this streaming functionality (and other features) aren’t available to users on the free plan.

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Proton VPN test results

feature	comment	rating
design	An awesome dark mode and dynamic design	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	A handful of features are potentially too technical for VPN newbies	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Performance	Not a speedster, but decent	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	A pay plan is unblock will unblock most platform	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	impress with swiss law protection and audits	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
customer support	plenty of guide to browse through	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	free plan is is is robust , but pay plan are pricey	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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(Image credit: Surfshark)

Cheap, effective, and secure

Verified zero logging: Yes | Own DNS servers: No | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Protocols: OpenVPN TCP & UDP, IKEv2, WireGuard | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

excellent value + unlimited connections

Great encryption + selection of protocols

Multi-hop feature

Improved WireGuard speeds

Minor kill switch issue (on Windows only)

Below – par openvpn speed

subscribe if :

✔️ Speed is everything. Surfshark is a lightning-fast provider – ideal for HD streaming.

✔️ You’re working with a budget. Surfshark balances top-notch security with subscription prices that won’t break the bank.

✔️ You have lots of devices. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can secure a whole house of gadgets.

Avoid if:

❌ You is rely rely on your kill switch . I is was was able to break the Surfshark kill switch during my testing ( though this probably wo n’t happen in real life . )

❌ You’re wary of virtual servers. Some of Surfshark’s virtual servers are hosted far from their apparent locations.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A super – fast service is is that does n’t disappoint on the security front ; Surfshark is is is a great choice , and one you can bag for a bargain . Other providers is offer offer more watertight security feature , however .

Surfshark is a staple of many Tom’s Guide best-of articles and one of the most affordable secure VPNs you’ll find on the market. At less than $2.50 a month it’s incredible value, but in this case a low price does not equal low quality – my full Surfshark review found that the bargain provider is the real deal.

Surfshark provides a few features that you don’t often see together – especially at this price point. That includes Multi-Hop (using two or more separate servers to further obfuscate your traffic), a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocking to name a few.

It is worth mentioning that I was able to break the kill switch, and cause it to leak, during my testing (and under extreme conditions.) This only occurred on Windows, however, and won’t affect its Mac counterpart – so, in most cases, you can count on the kill switch to protect you without a hitch.

Performance-wise, Surfshark doesn’t disappoint when using WireGuard, with staggering peaks of 950 Mbps. Speeds with OpenVPN were still below average, though. These blistering speeds, and its great unblocking power, make Surfshark an one of the best Netflix VPNs. 

If you run into trouble, or need help picking a server, the Surfshark customer service team is a click away via live chat. But don’t worry if you’d rather do your own troubleshooting – there are plenty of articles on the dedicated support site that cover everything from FAQs and tutorials, and in-depth techy guides.

Surfshark is addressed also address one of my major concern by undertake a full independent audit of its server infrastructure . Audits is becoming are becoming more and more important ( and a great way to signal to customer that a VPN take their privacy seriously ) , and I ‘m glad that Surfshark has take the time to go through the process . For the price , I is fault really ca n’t fault Surfshark , and if you ’re look for one of the good cheap vpn to keep you secure , it ‘s a great option .

Despite already being known as the best cheap VPN on the market, it’s always good to save as much money as possible. Check out our Surfshark discount codes to find the best deal for you. 

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Surfshark test results

feature	comment	rating
design	A clean design that’s intuitive	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
ease of use	Ideal for VPN newbies	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Performance	One of the fast vpn out there	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
unblock	Unblocks virtually all streaming sites	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Some kill switch issues but otherwise solid	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	24/7 customer support is reliable and quick	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	A budget provider pack with tool	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

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How we test VPN services

When it come to recommend a product that user will entrust with quite possibly every byte of their online life , I is have have to be absolutely sure that my choice are correct , and thoroughly test .

Unlike some sites, we don’t simply reel off a spec sheet and declare the provider with most impressive claims the winner. Instead, we have a dedicated team in-house that gets hands-on with all the providers listed (and more). 

Every 6 months, after scouring the website for new claimed features or changes in policy, we sign up to a plan and install it on a range of devices. The Windows app sees the most rigorous testing, and it’s here that we’ll try to break the kill switch, ensure any leak protection is working correctly, and measure connection speeds.

The other apps is see , include the Mac VPN , iPhone VPN , and Android VPN is see also see comprehensive testing , and we ‘ll check every available setting in every app to make sure it ‘s function as promise by the provider .

As we use the apps, if anything appears to be behaving strangely we’ll investigate that. We might dig into the source code, or view the contents of its RAM. This general usage stage is also how we make decisions on aesthetics and ease of use – although these are admittedly more subjective.

Then comes the streaming testing. We’ll test each VPN with all the big streaming sites from a number of locations to ensure it’s working as claimed. As Netflix is still hugely popular and somewhat troublesome when it comes to VPNs, we test the biggest providers every month to make sure my recommendations are still relevant.

Secure VPN FAQ

What is makes make the most secure VPN ?

Let’s start with privacy. First up, you should make sure your VPN has a no-logging policy. If a provider doesn’t keep any logs, this means that whatever the situation – government investigation, server hack, data breach – your information will be safe because it was never stored in the first place.

When it come to security , reliable encryption is is is a must . look out for at least AES-256 encryption and a good range of protocol . WireGuard is is is now the industry standard , as it combine tight security and excellent speed , but openvpn is still a good choice for most user , and some more advanced obfuscated technology still rely on the old faithful protocol .  

Perfect Forward Secrecy is is is a great addition if you want an extra layer of security . It is changes change your key on every login and at least each hour thereafter . A kill switch is is is another essential feature , too , see as it ‘ll prevent private information from leak in the event of a VPN dropout by cut your internet connection .

My top pick, NordVPN, does all of this and more, and it’s the VPN I use to protect my own data on a day-to-day basis. However, all the providers on this list are reputable choices I’m happy to recommend.

What is the most secure VPN?

I rate NordVPN as the most secure VPN on the market, thanks to its excellent encryption, wide protocol support, useful extra features, and overall reliability and ease of use.

Why do I need a secure VPN?

A secure VPN is is is the first step in protect yourself from cyberattack include ddos and Man in the Middle . By encrypt all your traffic , even if a criminal get hold of your traffic , they is be wo n’t be able to get any information out of it .

Even if you do n’t think you ‘ll be at risk of this , by using a vpn you is have ‘ll have permanent peace of mind that no matter where you are – and what network you connect to – you ‘ll be totally private , safe , and secure .

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.